Sunday, August 12, 2012

Triple-Zip Pouch :: A Tutorial

fabric for pouch body, accent pieces, and linings (fat-quarters are plenty for the pouch body and linings; accents can be made from scraps)

fusible fleece

coordinating thread (which may be more than one, depending on your choice of accent fabrics)

All seams are 1/4” * Note: The piece indicated is one already partially stitched onto the pouch. Now you will be stitching on the other end; will be a lining piece that you are working with, except for the last instance, where it will be the main body fabric.

Preparing FabricAdhere fusible fleece to matching fabric piece. (not shown)Preparing ZippersFold and press 1/4" fold in each of the 2 1/2" x 3" fabric pieces, along a 3" edge. Fold each piece in half again so each measures 1 1/2" x 2 1/4".

Pin the folded 'tabs' over the zippers so they extend approximately 3/4" in from the edges of the main body fabric. Stitch across each folded edge.

Pull back each tab and trim off excess zipper at one end, extra zipper tape at the other end.

Also trim along edge of zipper, so tabs basically just cover both zipper ends, without excess, per picture below.From here forward, zippers will be referred to as #1 (bottom zipper from front view), #2 (center zipper from front view), & #3 (main/top zipper from front view). Bottom edge of each zipper will be referred to as “B”; top edge of each zipper will be referred to as “T”. We’ll be installing the zippers from the bottom up.

Using a zipper foot, stitch 1/4” seam along length of zipper, removing pins as you go. Once stitched, remove from machine and arrange fabric so zipper is fully visible, pressing pocket lining down & accent piece up. Top-stitch close to zipper.

Using a zipper foot, stitch 1/4” seam along length of zipper, removing pins as you go. Once stitched, remove from machine and arrange fabric so zipper is fully visible, pressing pocket lining down & accent piece with zipper up. Top-stitch close to zipper.

Using a zipper foot, stitch 1/4” seam along length of zipper, removing pins as you go. Once stitched, remove from machine and arrange fabric so zipper is fully visible, pressing pocket lining down & accent piece up. Top-stitch close to zipper.

For zipper #3B, lay on your work surface, in order given:

Accent piece #2 face UP

Zipper #3 face DOWN, zipper pull to the left

Main (largest) lining face DOWN

Pin well, between layers if needed. Using a zipper foot, stitch 1/4” seam along length of zipper, removing pins as you go. Once stitched, remove from machine and arrange fabric so zipper is fully visible, pressing pocket lining down. Top-stitch close to zipper.

For zipper #3T, lay on your work surface, in order given:

Main (largest) lining face UP*

Zipper #3 face UP, zipper pull to the left

Main body fabric face DOWN*

Pin well, between layers if needed. Using a zipper foot, stitch 1/4” seam along length of zipper, removing pins as you go.

Once you sew this step, your project will be inside out, and somewhat odd looking. No worries! You're still on the right track!

To FinishThis is where it got really difficult to take meaningful pictures, so read carefully and just go step by step.

Reach in through the main lining fabric fold and turn inside out, so all you see is the main lining, right side out. Reach in and unzip the main zipper.

Work from here on one side edge of pouch at a time. Line up edge, pushing main lining out of the way as best you can. Pin edges together, and starting from bottom, stitch up the side of the pouch, removing pins as you go and going up as far as you can.

Now bring the lining back where you can work on it, pushing the seam you just sewed into the pouch, out of the way. Press edges of lining in 1/4", pin sides together, and starting from bottom, stitch up the side of the pouch, removing pins as you go and going up as far as you can.

Repeat for other side.

Turn pouch inside out through open main zipper, pushing out corners to shape. Press edges with your iron for a clean finished look!

The story behind this pouch can be found here. If you make a Triple-Zip Pouch or are inspired by this tutorial, please feel free to post a photo in my flickr group ~ Quilting with A Quilter's Table. Thanks!

Oh, hurray! I've been waiting for this! Thank you so much! Unfortunately I can't make one right away, because I'm in the midst of testing a rather complicated bag pattern for someone, but this pouch will be next on my list. I'll show you when I've made one. I think this pouch is so cool, and I can't wait to make it!

I love the colors of this one! Surprised? I have a quick question. In the preparing zippers step, how much zipper is exposed between the tabs? If I count the blocks on your mat correctly, it looks like about 6.5".

I just discovered your blog and love it. This triple zip pouch is beautiful, your tutorial is well explained, thanks for sharing with us. This is a blog that I will visit often. You have a new follower with me, just love your blog!

I think I got it, but am just a little confused and want to make sure I am going to do it right. On the first step after applying the first zipper (this step) For zipper #1T, lay on your work surface, in order given:

For DonnaRae...Hi! Sorry you're facing some confusion, but yes, I think you are exactly right. The lining that you just pressed away from the zipper, now take its other end - you are basically making the first 'pocket!' So yes, the two ends of the lining are now right sides together. This IS the trickiest - and once you have this one down, you'll see 'ah ha!' . . . Hope this helps!

Hi Debbie, Thanks for the answer. I got it. I tired replying to your message at my blog. I am just learning how to blog. I thought that you were able to get the email addy if I used Google profile. I guess not? Anyway, I tried to set up a Google email account to use with my blog and Google now wants a cell phone number to confirm the account. I don't want to give my cell phone number out So I can't email you without going through an email account. My PC is new so I have not set every thing up yet, like having my mail go through my charter account. Anyway, your answer did the trick. Now to get my email addys all set up. I just don't like to post it in an open forum. I get too much spam as it is. LOL... Thanks for the tute and your time helping me!

I'm working on zipper T1, did you fold up the lining? It's unlear in the directions but in the photo, it looks like you flipped it up? I took the next smallest lining piece and sewed it in, I now wonder if I have to unpick it?

This is excellent! I will be linking to this in a blog I've scheduled for this week - I'm going to make it with my students at school too if you dont mind! Cheers, Tracyhttp://yellowfibro.blogspot.com.au

Thank you for an excellent Tutorial! I really enjoyed making this. I was wondering if you made the largest lining in two pieces with a seam that would wind up at the bottom of the the lining. Then you could leave an opening and be able to sew the side seams a little easier and turn the whole ting through this opening. I will try this and let you know if it works.

This is such a great project.Myself and two friends spent a day making triple zipper pouches only we made jumbo sized pouches.I just put a picture of mine on my blog with a link to the tutorial.Thank you!Margaret

Wow what a great tutorial. Just finished my first one. Did it from start to finish (picking fabric to admiring it open and closed) in 2 hours and 10 minutes. Will make another tomorrow and post them both on my blog with a shout out to you. The only change I would make to this pattern is that I will probably add a strap for convenience. I thank you and the receivers of these gifts will also thank you. I'm off to see if I can be your newest follower.

I pinned this a while ago and am just now getting around to looking at it. Love it!!! Any suggestions for converting this to a purse? I want to make my 3 yr old a purse with lots of pockets, buttons and zippers. She's a bit obsessed. =)

I LOVE this pouch!!! I made one tonight, and now I'm addicted. I did get confused a few times about various things, mostly because it was late at night and I probably should have been in bed sleeping, instead of up and sewing. When I got to the last part, sewing up the sides, my brain refused to go any further. I understood the concept of sewing up the sides (sort of), but I just couldn't make it work. Colleen's post saved me - I simply sliced the main lining piece in half at the bottom, sewed the sides up easily, turned the bag right side out through the opening I left in the bottom of the lining, and then machine stitched the opening closed. Problem solved, my OCD is satisfied, and I can go to sleep. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing this with us. I'm going to be making more of these :)

It makes a difference if you lay the zipper up or down before sewing the zipper in. Here are a couple of sites that should you how to do it so the zipper ends look much better. I also put tabs on the ends of my zippers which makes a world of difference. I don't think either of these sites mention it but there are lots of sites out there. Just Google instructions for zipper tabs in pouches or something like that. Here are the two sites I mentions. (http://www.curbly.com/users/ModHomeEcTeacher/posts/4101-How-to-Insert-a-Zipper#jump) and (http://www.sewdelicious.com.au/2012/09/simple-zip-pouch-tutorial-for-beginners.html)

I can see so many uses for this! Thank you for sharing. I have linked to you on my blog. http://alittlebirdmademe.wordpress.com/2013/06/21/a-list-of-30-free-tutorials-and-patterns-for-wallets-and-pouches/

Hi Debbie - I'm in the home stretch of this adorable little bag and I'm TOTALLY stuck. How do I top stitch the final side of zipper #3? I have reread the tutorial and i don't think it mentions it - please help!!

I love this but as another person said….a little confused about the last part. I will figure it out once I get going I am sure….but…..a video tutorial would be AWESOME and you would get LOTS of viewers I am sure. Please………...

I love this! I saw a zip pouch in Country Living this month but its just one pouch with decorative zippers...I was working out a pattern in my head to do a pouch like this while trying to fall asleep last night! - Bailey Marie & Me

Can anyone tell me the final size of the outside of the bag please? I'm trying to change the size and convert to cm's and want to be sure im on the right track. I want a finished bag of 38cm wide by 27cm high (15x10.5 in) will still work right? Sorry im a newbie being very brave trying something complicated

Thank you for sharing this great tutorial. I just finished a bag and wrote a post about it. You can find it on my blog at http://beccascrazyprojects.blogspot.com/2014/06/triple-zip-pouch-fun-with-thing-1-thing.html.

I make them with small wrist handles on the outside. Just add a tab and add whatever you want to the tab. I also instead of the handle put key holder and/or clip for my bag. So many options. I suppose you could make a cross bag strap

My 11-year-old granddaughter was carrying a 3-zipper shoulder bag this summer while visiting us. It was a great place for her cellphone. Her 4-year-old cousin asked me to make her one for pre-K. Thank you for the tutorial. All I have to do is put a shoulder strap on the pouch. I was more than a little confused by the Finishing instructions so I followed my instinct and sewed all the linings to the main fabric (right side out) in a cylinder fashion. Then I turned the pouch wrong side out, unzipped the main zipper (top zipper) and sewed each side together. I don't know if my finished product is according to instructions. I'd like to see a picture of the inside of the finished pouch.

Vicki, got to page 8 of the PDF format and it will show you what the pouch should look like before I out sew up the sides. Pouches made like this with a strap is great to carry your money in when yard selling or going to flea markets. No bulky purse to carry.

I guess I am just lame because I have made zippered pouches, but at the step "1T" I understand the layers, but the pic shows the lining "looped" for lack of a better word. Is this the same lining that was sewn to the zipper 1B?

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